Fizz, Boom, Read! Libraries start up summer reading programs

Thursday

Jun 12, 2014 at 3:15 AM

By Ellen W. ToddSanford News Writer

SANFORD — School’s almost out, and local libraries are gearing up for their summer reading clubs and other programs and activities.

This summer many libraries in Maine, including Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford and Springvale Public Library, are going with science-related themes for their summer reading programs. “Fizz, Boom, Read” is the theme for the free summer reading programs for children at both Goodall and Springvale libraries.

At Goodall Library, the summer reading club begins June 16 and runs through Aug. 9. The program is open to children ages 13 and younger. All reading levels and abilities are invited to join. In addition to encouraging children to read, the program will include weekly coloring contests for children ages 3 through 12, weekly story times and fun activities throughout the summer.

On Thursday, July 10, at 3 p.m., Goodall Library will present Wildlife Encounters Global Tour, an interactive safari around the world featuring live animals. The program is intended for children age 4 and up and their families.

On Thursday, July 17, at 3 p.m., storyteller Michael Parent will present an interactive program of stories, songs, juggling and music. The show is geared to children age 5 and older and their families.

A hands-on science program, “Fizz, Boom, Pop,” with Mad Science of Maine is the featured event at the library on Monday, July 28, at 3 p.m. It is an exciting show full of erupting science, a show of flames, foam, ooze, colors and more geared to children age 4 and older and their families.

Goodall Library’s “Fizz, Boom, Read!” Summer Reading Club will wrap up on Saturday, Aug. 9, with a closing party from 2 to 3 p.m. for all children who participated in the program and their families. Children are invited to come celebrate their reading accomplishments, turn in their reading logs (if they haven’t already), enjoy some refreshments, and pick out some free books and school supplies.

Goodall Library will also have a summer book club for older kids and teens, ages 11 through 15. The Science Fiction Vs. Fantasy Bookclub will begin on Wednesday, June 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. “This is not your typical book club,” says the library’s website. Each month, participants will read a science fiction or fantasy book of their choice and then will meet to discuss what they all read and why they liked it. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome. For more information, call 324-4714 and ask for Deidre.

The library will also sponsor an adult reading program this summer — “We all dream of faraway. Explore. Dream. Discover. READ!” starting June 16 for readers from 14 to 114 years old. Participants will earn a ticket for each book they read during the program. Tickets will be entered into a drawing for a Sanford Readers Basket, including a Kindle e-reader, travel journal, and mug (with Aroma Joe’s gift certificate).

The Springvale Public Library’s summer reading programs begin Monday, June 23, and include programs for readers of all ages and interests.

Children 2 to 13 years old may register for “Fizz Boom Read!,” a free non-competitive program to encourage children to have fun reading over the summer. The program gets off to an exciting start with two special activities the first week.

On Tuesday, June 24, 11 a.m. to noon, the Springvale Library will present a free chemistry-related performance for ages 4 through 12 by Mad Science of Maine at the Nasson Community Center Little Theatre at 457 Main St., Springvale. The library says the show “will make your mind FIZZ with questions, POP with excitement, and BOOM with fun!”

On Wednesday, June 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Springvale Library will present Random Chicken’s 4H science exhibits in the library’s children’s room. Come and enjoy these interactive science exhibits created by the members of the Random Chickens 4-H Club.

On Wednesdays in July the Springvale Library will feature Wacky Wednesday Experiments in the children’s room. Come in any time between noon to 6 p.m. and help with the wacky experiment of the day, then take it home and explain it.

A different experiment will be featured each week. This is intended for children ages 6-13; younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

The Springvale Public Library will also offer a summer reading club for teens called “Spark a Reaction.”

Participants will have opportunities to win books and prizes.

Adult readers will be challenged in the Springvale Library’s “Literary Elements” reading program to win books, pens and an insulated folding lunch bag with an ice pack.

All programs will end Thursday, Aug. 14, and on that day, the Springvale Library will welcome children who added books to their reading list over the summer to celebrate with an ice cream sundae party from 2 to 3 p.m.

The Springvale Public Library is located at 443 Main St., Springvale.

For more information on any of the library’s summer reading activities, call 324-4624 or visit www.springvalelibrary.org.